Sergio Garcia is the latest player to jump ship from LIV Golf, and he’s caused quite the stir.

Garcia issued a social media statement saying he hopes to return to the PGA Tour after serving his one-year suspension, prompting many to think back to his controversial departure. 

Back in 2022, in his final PGA Tour event, Garcia was waiting for a ruling and said, “Can’t wait to get out of here. Just a couple more weeks until I don’t have to deal with [the rules officials] anymore.”

Players like Eddie Pepperell reminded Garcia about his attitude towards the PGA and DP World Tour four years ago, criticising his lack of awareness. That leaves the PGA Tour in a difficult spot if Garcia intends to come back. 

How the PGA Tour should treat Sergio Garcia if he plans to return

The PGA Tour is introducing a new format for 2028. The tour will split into two tracks, with promotion and relegation between them, creating an opportunity for Garcia. 

It is yet to be decided which players will be placed on the first track, the Championship Series, and the second, the Challenger Series. If Jon Rahm returns to the PGA Tour in 2028, he could be placed on the first tier as a former champion, or he could be forced to work his way back.

That’s one thing for Rahm, who caused major damage to the PGA Tour when he left for LIV, but his departure wasn’t as volatile as Garcia. Garcia’s attitude when leaving means he could face extra retribution if he returns.

That’s why the PGA Tour should force Garcia to play the Challenger Series if he returns. His play hasn’t earned him a top-tier spot, and his comments about the PGA Tour as he left can’t go unpunished now that he’s trying to come back.

In his statement, Garcia wrote, “In golf, everything is earned, and nothing is given.” He’ll surely have no problem having to earn promotion to the Championship Series if he truly feels that way.